Migs was a proud and loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and is survived by his wonderful wife Diana (nee Jenkins, married 1948) who supported and took care of him for 71 years, including raising their family when he was at sea or overseas attending United Nations and NATO conferences; their children: Michael (Alison Swick) in Oak Bay, Wendy (Ben) Rotteveel in Kingston, and Barbara (Mark) Norton in Brockville; grandchildren: Evelyn (E.V.) and the late Bryan (Kate Rodrigues) Turner, Michelle (Scott) Arnold, Sandy Fanning and Heather (Nick) Leverty, Joseph (Lori) Norton and Diana (Bruce) Lefebvre; great-grandchildren: Ryleigh and Logan Arnold, Benjamin, Emma and Cassidy Fanning, Addison Leverty, Emerson and Everley Norton, and Maurice and Marion Lefebvre.
Migs was predeceased by his parents, Aileen Sophie Wiglesworth and Maurice William Turner, both born in England, and by his brother Brigadier General Ret’d. William Wiglesworth (Hope) Turner in 2017.
Migs attended St. Michael’s Boy’s School in Oak Bay 1935–40 and University of Toronto Boy’s Schools 1940–43. He served as a Gunner/Lance Bombardier in the 7th Toronto Field Regiment (Reserve) RCA 1940–43 and was a Midshipman in Sea Cadet Corps Temeraire 1942–43. In May 1943, he joined the RCNVR in WWII as an Ordinary Seaman. Commissioned Sub-Lieutenant in 1944, he served on the midocean convoy escort in the corvette HMCS Guelph 1944–45 during the Battle of the Atlantic. (At night in March 1945 in heavy seas off Iceland, Migs jumped overboard to rescue Guelph’s After Lookout Able Seaman Robert Stewart RCNVR.)
After the war, Migs transferred to the RCN, specializing in communications and electronics; served at sea “on exchange” with the USN; commanded HMC Ships New Liskeard (Algerine class Naval Research ship developing Variable Depth Sonar) 1954–56 in the Atlantic, and Saskatchewan (destroyer) 1964–66 in the Pacific and Far East; served with NATO and as a Director of Communications at Naval Headquarters in Ottawa, participating as head of DND delegations to NATO, UN, and other international conferences. Migs joined and served in the Canadian Coast Guard in Ottawa 1974–77 and then relocated to Vancouver 1977–88, where he was Superintendent Vessel Traffic Services (Pacific) and then Regional Manager Fleet Systems (Pacific and Western Arctic).
In his active retirement, Migs was president and past president of the Naval Officers Association on Vancouver Island; founding president of the Retired Coast Guard Officers Association; founder of the Aloha 34 (sailboat) Owners’ International Network; past director of the Victoria Branch Alzheimer Society, the Royal United Services Institute and the Canadian Institute of International Affairs; and member of the Victoria CCG Local Marine Advisory Council, Royal Victoria Yacht Club, Victoria Golf Club, Kiwanis, Victoria PROBUS, Oak Bay PROBUS and St. Mary’s (Oak Bay) Parish Council.
Sailing in their Aloha 34 sailboat Sea Vixen provided considerable enjoyment to Diana and Migs, initially out of Vancouver and later Cadboro Bay, Victoria. When Diana “retired” from sailing to concentrate more on her knitting and other volunteer activities, Migs continued with the crew he had drafted for year-round Saturday sailings, weather permitting. He delighted in sharing photos of his Christmas sails with his eastern Canadian friends.
Our thanks to: staff at Oak Bay Recreation Centre where Migs enjoyed swimming with friends 1989–2014; family, friends, Dr. David Brook and Carlton House staff who made life easier and pleasurable for Diana and Migs in recent years; and the remarkably caring staff of 8S Royal Jubilee Hospital who cared for and comforted Migs during his final days.
At Migs’ request, there will be a private family service at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Salvation Army or Red Cross are most appreciated.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
23 Responses
Recently, during the outside ‘French Lunch’ at Carlton House, at a table for four, Migs, Diana, Minca and Tom were
sitting together. At the last ‘Mix and Match’, again the four of us were sitting at a table for four.
Migs told stories, which we had never heard before. They will stay with us for ever.
Migs was a humble man, who dearly loved Diana.
Minca and Tom wish Diana and her family strength in this difficult time.
My sincere condolences to Diana, and family. Captain Turner was a true gentleman and professional. He set the standard in leadership and integrity.
My condolencesto Diane and your family.I remember Migs as a real gentleman who cared about the people he worked with.
I was one of the “Saturday Afternoon Sailors”, invited by Migs to sail on Sea Vixen most weekends, and to enjoy the post-sail hospitality once the vessel was securely moored at the Yacht Club. Migs ensured that all on board took their turn at the helm and assisted to trim the sails to ensure maximum speed. He was a great leader and good friend. My condolences go out to Diana, and members of the extended family. Alec Provan
It is with great sadness that I acmnowledge and accept the passing of my good friend and Canadian Coast Guard colleague “Migs” Turner.
They simply don’t don’t come any more committed to striving to make things turn out right than Migs was!
All the very best to his wife and family at this difficult time!
Nancy and I were greatly saddened to learn that Migs had passed away and offer our sincere condolences to Dianna and the family. We will miss our visits to Carlton House that had become an important element in our lives over the past few years. Migs will be remembered as a gentleman and as an exceptional manager and leader. I first met Migs in 1982 when I was transferred from Toronto to Vancouver with the Coast Guard. While I was nominally in charge, Migs took me under his wing and ensured that I met all the right people and fully understood my new responsibilities. His care and concern also extended to my family and he went to great lengths to ensure that we settled comfortably into our new home. He will be greatly missed.
I was saddened to learn of Mig’ passing over the bar. My sincere condolences to the family. Migs was utmost a gentleman and a steadfast supporter of the CCG. His vast experience at sea and expertise in communications provided many of us in the VTS and CG Radio branch with much wise counsel.
Miss was a wonderful neighbour and a good friend. Apart from his many accomplishments we remember Migs for his generous spirit, his sense of humour and the care he demonstrated for others. Miss was a man of principle and a good man to have known.
The passing of Migs Turner marks the loss of one of the finest men I’ve known or served with. I first met Migs in 1981 when he and I were “counterparts” managing the joint CCG/USCG vessel traffic management system in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. He was a true professional, and a joy to work with. That was the beginning of a solid friendship that spanned 38 years and numerous visits. And over those years, Migs was unfailingly generous in introducing me to many of his friends who subsequently became my friends. Somehow Migs seemed to know everyone! Edna and I send our heartfelt sympathy to Diana and family, and wish them well at this difficult time.
Roger Pike, CAPT, USCG (Ret)
High Point, North Carolina
My condolences to the Turner family. Migs was a loyal shipmate and a treasured friend to my own Mum and Dad, Ted and Addie Semmens. Ted Semmens Jr